ANNE RUTLEDGE - Herman Melville Poems

Out of me unworthy and unknownThe vibrations of deathless music:"With malice toward none, with charity for all."Out of me the forgiveness of millions toward millions,And the beneficent face of a nationShining with justice and truth.I am Anne Rutledge who sleep beneath these weeds,Beloved in life of Abraham Lincoln,Wedded to him, not through union,But through separation.Bloom forever, O Republic,From the dust of my bosom!